But on a positive note, United clinched the EFL Cup and the UEFA Europa League last season, the latter of which ensured their entry to the UEFA Champions League, courtesy a 2-0 win over Ajax of Netherlands.

The former Everton forward scored the first goal of the duel in the 33rd minutes after being set up by Marcus Rashford and he wasted no time to send Joe Hart the wrong direction.

United and Lukaku's second followed minutes later and was a reminder of the striker's power rather than pace.

The Hammerskicked off the new campaign with a forlorn, four-goal defeat at Old Trafford, where a double-barrelled blast from their nemesis Romelu Lukaku and late goals from substitute Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba made it a nightmare start to the season at the so-called Theatre of Dreams.

Paul Pogba (Manchester United): Matic was terrific on debut whilst Mata, Mkhitaryan and Rashford buzzed endlessly behind Lukaku, but Pogba ran the show. The former Juventus man had a slow start to the 2016-17 season, after scoring just 5 goals in as many as 30 matches for the club.

Lukaku, who scored 25 goals in 37 matches last season, will hope to take the Reds forward as they hope to clinch their first Premier League title since 2012-13, which was Sir Alex Ferguson's last.

After Rashford had left the right-hand upright shuddering with a curler from the left-hand apex of the area, Mkhitaryan released Martial to coolly tuck away United's third before Pogba swept in the fourth from 20 yards.

On this early evidence, United now have a focal point whose talents suit their desired style of play and one who can bring out the best of those around him.

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Lacazette should aim to emulate Ibrahimovic, says Wenger
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